American Airlines ski event raises more than $1.6M for CF Foundation
41st annual celebrity fundraiser pushes total past $50M raised
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American Airlines and its partners have raised more than $1.6 million for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) during the airline’s 41st annual Celebrity Ski event, continuing a four-decade tradition of hitting the slopes to fund a cure.
The event, held March 5-8 in Beaver Creek, Colorado, featured sports figures and live music, pushing the event’s lifetime total to more than $50 million for cystic fibrosis (CF) research.
As the foundation’s longest-running corporate supporter, American Airlines has played a role in advancing treatments that are helping people with CF live longer, healthier lives. The annual weekend brings together employees, corporate partners, and high-profile supporters to turn winter recreation into fundraising for CF research.
“That generosity has helped drive progress that is enabling people with CF to live longer than ever before,” Michael Boyle, MD, president and CEO of the CFF, said in a press release.
Hitting the slopes for a cause
This year’s event drew more than 400 attendees and volunteers to the Colorado mountains. The guest list featured major sports and entertainment figures, including former American soccer players Carli Lloyd and Alexi Lalas, and former football standout Mark Ingram. Attendees also enjoyed a live performance by Cincinnati singer-songwriter Michael Marcagi, presented by Warner Records.
“For decades, our team members, partners and supporters have come together at this event to drive meaningful impact,” said Caroline Clayton, chief marketing officer at American Airlines. “Supporting organizations like the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation reflects our commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our customers beyond travel, and we’re proud to help advance research and care for those impacted by CF.”
The partnership extends beyond the ski resort. American Airlines, which is currently celebrating its 100th anniversary, has fueled CFF research by donating hundreds of millions of AAdvantage miles. These loyalty rewards serve as a currency for fundraising efforts across the U.S.
The CFF is a partner in the airline’s broader “Let Good Take Flight” program. This health and wellness initiative focuses on raising awareness and funding for the development of new treatments not only for CF, but also for cancer and other serious conditions. Other partners include the Make-A-Wish Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Stand Up To Cancer.
